Tantalus : or, The future of Man by F. C. S. Schiller

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Author Schiller, F. C. S. (Ferdinand Canning Scott), 1864-1937
Title Tantalus : or, The future of Man
Original Publication New York: E. P. Dutton & Company, 1924.
Series Title To-day and to-morrow series, 6.
Note Reading ease score: 53.9 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Credits Tim Lindell, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Summary "Tantalus: or, The Future of Man" by F. C. S. Schiller is a philosophical essay written in the early 20th century. It explores profound questions about the future of humanity, focusing on the interplay between knowledge, moral responsibility, and the societal structures that govern human behavior. The book serves as a contemplative analysis of mankind's potential for both progress and destruction, encapsulating the reflections of a time grappling with the consequences of rapid scientific advancements and social changes. In this work, Schiller utilizes the myth of Tantalus to symbolize the dual nature of human existence—where tantalizing opportunities for happiness and progress are persistently just out of reach. The narrative begins with a prophetic oracle contemplating humanity's fate amid its accumulated knowledge, raising concerns about mankind's ability to make judicious choices. The text further discusses how civilization has arrested biological and moral progress, leading to a deterioration in societal values. Schiller argues for the necessity of moral introspection and institutional reforms, suggesting that while the biological evolution of humanity may be stalled, intellectual and cultural aspirations can still lead to a more enlightened future. Ultimately, the essay presents a nuanced perspective on the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for humanity, urging the reader to confront and utilize knowledge responsibly to shape a better tomorrow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class HM: Social sciences: Sociology
Subject Eugenics
Subject Civilization
Category Text
EBook-No. 72381
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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